Wine CountryThe Santa Maria Valley Wine Region & AVASanta Maria Valley Wineries & WinemakersA Guide to Wine Tasting in Santa Maria ValleySanta Maria Wine VarietalsSanta Maria Wine TrolleyFoxen Canyon Wine Trail$500 3-Day Getaway Book A Room Everything you need to know about wine tasting in the Santa Maria Valley. It’s no secret that California’s Central Coast is a world-renowned wine-growing region. The unique geography of the Santa Maria Valley pairs perfectly with the temperate Central Coast weather. This dynamic duo produces a Mediterranean climate that allows wine grapes to spend extra time on the vine developing complex and unique flavor profiles. The result is universally loved and easy-to-pair Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah. Read on for our favorite ways to taste your way through more than 30 winery tasting rooms in Santa Maria Valley wine country. Hop on the Santa Maria Valley Wine Trolley The award-winning Santa Maria Valley Wine Trolley runs a route to some of the region’s most popular wineries every weekend from May to October. The trolley route begins in Old Town Orcutt, near the CORE Winery Tasting Room, Naughty Oak Brewing Company, Blast 825 Brewery and Vino et Amicis, as well as many dining establishments. The trolley makes stops at Presqu’ile Winery, Cottonwood Canyon Winery and Costa de Oro Winery. The route takes about an hour, and your ticket allows you to step on and off the trolley at your leisure all day. You can buy tickets for the Wine Trolley at several wineries and other venues in Santa Maria and Orcutt. Check here for more information. Explore the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail The Foxen Canyon Wine Trail is a 30-mile stretch of road between Santa Maria and Los Olivos that’s host to 14 wineries. While visiting any of the wineries on the trail, you’ll be rewarded with delicious wines and stunning views of vineyard-lined roads and hillsides shrouded in fog. You can cruise the trail in your car but be sure to have a designated driver. You can finish your Foxen Canyon trip in Old Town Orcutt where you can have dinner and a celebratory glass (or two!) of wine. Take a Guided Cycling Tour If you bring a bike to the valley, you can take a cycling tour of the region guided by local winemaker, winery owner and former semi-pro cyclist, Dave Corey. Dave owns CORE Winery, and he started the Bike & Bottle Project to provide guided cycling tours for locals and tourists alike. Dave’s in-depth knowledge of the region allows you to customize each tour based on distance, elevation and difficulty. Wine Taste for Less The Santa Maria Valley boasts some of the best wine on the Central Coast and the second-oldest AVA in California. But one of the best parts about our valley is that you can see and do more. You can take a wine weekend getaway for two people for $500 or less. Be sure to bring your hotel key card with you when you go wine tasting, because if you show it at participating wineries—including Cambria Estate Vineyard and Winery, Cottonwood Canyon Winery, Riverbench Vineyard & Winery and others—you can receive a tasting for free!
Growing Grounds Farm Santa Maria Growing Grounds Farm Santa Maria is a program of Transitions-Mental Health Association, combining horticultural therapy and vocational training to provide individuals with mental illness employment and a supportive environment where personal growth can be realized. They produce pesticide-free produce, flower and plants. Visit them at 820 W. Foster Rd. at the corner of Foster and […]
Blosser Urban Garden Blosser Urban Garden (BUG) is a sustainable, small-scale organic farm in an urban setting that serves the community with food and hands-on education. The garden is a sustainable, small-scale organic farm in an urban setting committed to providing sustainable agriculture to the Central Coast. Our main focus and passion is providing quality organic produce delivered […]
Santa Maria Natural History Museum Get up close with native animal, plant, and geology exhibits at Santa Maria’s Natural History Museum. Here, individuals and children of all ages interact with rock and fossil exhibits, native bird displays, and a genuine bat room.
Pismo Dunes Pismo Dunes is an easy, 2.4-mile out and back trail located near Pismo State Beach in Oceano that is good for all skill levels. The trail offers beautiful views of the surrounding ocean and wildflowers. Dogs are welcome on this trail as long as they’re kept on leash. This trail is also often used for […]
October 23 Elks Rodeo: Haunted Hills Drive Thru Experience Elks Recreation, Inc., in collaboration with the City of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department, are excited to bring a new experience to the Central Coast! Don’t miss your chance to feel the real scare of 2020! With fear inducing scenes, creepy sounds, and scary interactions, the Cowboys of Rodeos past and restless equipment come […]
October 24 U-Pick Blueberries: Halloween Celebration Save the DATE! October 24! You will want to be out at U-Pick Blueberries with your little pumpkins! Come dressed in your favorite costume, pick a pumpkin, & have your family pics taken by Julie Face Photography for $15/Family! Come HUNGRY as U-Pick Blueberries will have Crave Mini Donuts 10 am – 2 pm out […]
October 24 Elks Rodeo: Haunted Hills Drive Thru Experience Elks Recreation, Inc., in collaboration with the City of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department, are excited to bring a new experience to the Central Coast! Don’t miss your chance to feel the real scare of 2020! With fear inducing scenes, creepy sounds, and scary interactions, the Cowboys of Rodeos past and restless equipment come […]
October 25 Santa Maria Civic Theatre: Drive-Up Theatre - Spooktacular Get your spook on at SMCT’s Spooktacular! SMCT’s Drive-Up theatre is BACK! and by popular demand! If you missed our August Drive-Up Theatre you are in luck! October’s “Driver Up Theatre” features Music, Dance, Comedy, and Spooky Scenes. This event is a benefit dedicated toward improvements to our building. Due to COVID-19 keeping our theatre […]